News Flash

Board of County Commissioners

Statement by Lucas County Commissioners in response to Governor Kasich Announcing Impairment Designation for the Open Waters of Lake Erie

The Lucas County Commissioners are applauding Governor John Kasich’s decision on March 22 to declare the open waters of Lake Erie impaired by nutrients, which for the first time establishes an accountability framework that we have long believed will begin to meaningfully reduce the runoff that fuels harmful algal blooms. Impairment is the foundation of a process under the United States Clean Water Act that brings accountability and has not been forcefully employed by Ohio until now. We all share responsibility for Lake Erie, the source of our drinking water and an irreplaceable natural treasure. We look forward to working with the State of Ohio on implementing this new accountability framework across Northwest Ohio. Additionally, we would like to extend our gratitude to Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Congressman Robert Latta, Senator Sherrod Brown, and Senator Rob Portman for protecting the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in the federal budget, and ensuring it is fully funded at $300 million.